With all the attention at the front of the pack during the season opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, there wasn't a lot said about the man who jumped in at the last minute to take over from Pascal Wehrlien, who didn't feel fit enough to last the full 57 lap distance around the Albert Park Circuit, Antonio Giovinazzi.
The young Italian Ferrari reserve driver jumped into the car for the third and final free practice session, qualified the car after only 11 laps around what is known to be a very demanding circuit, and then brought in home in 12th place on race day, keeping his nose clean and just getting on with the job at hand.
“It was a good race, and I am happy with my performance,” he said. “My objective was to gain more experience and collect mileage in the car. I will sit together with my engineers to analyze areas where I can improve. I want to thank the Sauber F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari again for this opportunity. It was an amazing race weekend for me.”
“A very impressive performance from Antonio during his first Formula One race. He showed his potential as well as what the car is capable of. The lap times were quite satisfying,” added Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn.
Taking everything into consideration, the young Italian certainly gets our vote for driver of the day.
